If you get an MRI of your lumbar spine and the results are abnormal or “bad”, it depends on what was seen (what the abnormality is), the degree of abnormality, and how closely it correlates with your clinical examination and clinical symptoms. It is also crucial to understand that just because an MRI shows an abnormality, it does not mean that all abnormalities shown on MRI correlate to something that is clinically important or any aggressive treatment is needed.
Understanding “Bad” MRI Findings
Common abnormal MRI findings consist of herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (slippage of the vertebrae), bone infections, tumors, fractures and other variations in the structure of the spine, or additional incidental findings outside the spine,some abnormality that shows up in your kidneys, blood vessels, or other organs that may or may not be related to your symptoms.
But studies show that many people, older people, have MRI changes without any symptoms. For example, advanced disc degeneration, disc bulge or even herniation are noticeable in a large percent of people without any back pain at all. This indicates that a “bad” MRI does not always mean that there is a serious problem or the need for surgery.
Clinical Correlation
The single most important thing that you can do after you have received an abnormal MRI letter is to correlate the abnormal MRI results with your symptoms and physical examination findings. For instance, if you have leg pain, numbness, and physical findings that correspond to the nerve root that is compressed by your herniated disc evident in the MRI, then you can assume that the MRI is clinically relevant.
Further Investigation
If you and your doctor identified something odd or unexpected in your MRI (for example a tumor or infection), then they may order further testing. Further testing could involve blood tests, biopsy or additional imaging.
Management Plan
Conservative Management: Most lumbar spine-a condition, whether it be a mild disc herniation, degenerative changes and so forth, will initially be treated non-operatively. This usually involves physiotherapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatories and lifestyle modification.
Surgical Consultation: If there is evidence on MRI of severe nerve compression (e.g. large herniated disc causing cauda equina syndrome), significant spinal instability, tumors/infections, or conservatively contraindicated, surgery may be appropriate.
Conclusion
An irregular lumbar spine MRI finding, although long and unmanageable, is not uncommon and does not always equal a serious and/or untreatable condition. Next steps will depend on factors like how closely the imaging findings align with your symptoms (if at all), the quantitatively abnormal nature, and your overall health. Most people are better suited with a clinical conservative individual approach with surgery only if severe and necessary.
Most people have significant positive benefit from using an individualized conservative approach, and surgical approach will only be utilized if it is truly warranted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if MRI is abnormal?
Having been told that an MRI is abnormal means the radiologist found something abnormal in the imaged area. An abnormal MRI may relate to abnormalities that may be representative of a medical condition or an injury.
Q. Can MRI give wrong results?
Yes, MRI reports may be wrong. MRI interpretation is subject to human error like all imaging services and this may lead to both false positives or false negatives.
Q. When should I worry about MRI results?
MRI findings should cause concern when they show findings suggesting serious conditions which may require medical intervention. This might include findings suggesting tumors (especially if there are worrisome features of malignancy), large or abundant inflammation, signs of a stroke, and bleeding in the brain.
Q. How long for MRI results if serious?
MRI results usually take 1-2 weeks before they show up. However, if your case is urgent, your doctor could also expedite those results and you could get your results faster. Some medical practitioners (especially in private practice) will be able to give you results as quickly as 24-48 hours if your issue is urgent.
